A Farewell

Opinion

November 26, 1989

Clyde Mann retired as a Marine Corps brigadier general in 1973. Everyone called him ''General.'' But the title was more than a military rank; it captured the essence of a born leader who was dignified, persuasive and commanding.

It is with enormous sadness and respect that we mourn his passing. He died Wednesday.

Rarely, if ever, has there been an elected official in Volusia County as resourceful, astute and effective as was Clyde Mann. The Orlando Sentinel made that point in a 1980 political endorsement when he was seeking re-election to the Volusia County Council: ''Few counties have the fortune of having people of such ability, intelligence and energy as Clyde Mann . . . offer themselves for public service.''

Indeed, Mr. Mann was unique in local politics, a leader who could charm a small group or control an angry crowd. He was as comfortable talking issues and answers in the Halifax Club as he was with a Samsula farmer.

He rose from the rank of private to that of general and ended his military career as the Corps' chief legal officer. It was the same tenacious drive and sharp mind he used to lead the council.

Clyde Mann was a man with vision - a master negotiator who was willing to work hard to see that vision through. After suffering a stroke, he retired from local politics in 1984. His mark remains on Volusia County.

A leader in environmental protection, Mr. Mann negotiated the purchase and preservation of DeLeon Springs for a state park. His leadership was largely responsible for completion of the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, a complex that should be named in his memory.

As one current council member said last week, there's not likely to be another leader like Clyde Mann in Volusia politics.

Clyde Mann will be buried in New Smyrna Beach on Monday. He won't be forgotten.